Early release of 28 Tamil Nadu fishermen from Bahrain is secured by the Indian Embassy

INN/Bahrain, @Infodeaofficial

After diplomatic efforts resulted in their early release from Bahraini incarceration, 28 Indian fishermen from the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu have returned home. After a quick judicial appeal, the fishermen’s six-month sentence—who were detained in September 2024 on suspicion of illegally entering Bahraini territorial waters—was lowered to three months.

An important part was performed by the Indian Embassy in Bahrain, which promptly assigned the fishermen legal counsel. The Embassy’s legal team appealed the initial sentence, which was handed down on October 9th along with two Iranian nationals, the next day. On October 31st, the Bahraini court lowered their sentences, demonstrating the effectiveness of the appeal.

The Embassy supported the fishermen and their families during their arrest by establishing communication and offering consular assistance and basic requirements. The Indian Community Welfare Fund of the Government of India provided funding for the repatriation.

The community leaders praised External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar during his recent visit to Bahrain, which took place from December 7–9, for the proactive measures made by the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs to secure the early release of the fishermen.

Vinod K. Jacob, the Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bahrain and other officials for their cooperation in granting consular access and support during the procedure. The episode demonstrates the Indian government’s dedication to upholding close diplomatic ties with Bahrain and safeguarding its people overseas.